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Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation

EIN 99-1154699 · N Little Rock, AR

Public records show a registered, tax-exempt organization in good standing.

LegitimacyPassesRegistration and standingFinancial healthStrong92 out of 100GovernanceGood75 out of 100Impact evidenceDescribes programsHow well its results are evidenced

What it says it does

The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation advances career-connected learning by bridging education, business, and community to cultivate future leaders, strengthen the local workforce, and prepare every learner for college, career, and life.

Income
$519,679
Spending
$226,940
Spent on programs
61%
Reserves
15.5 months of spending
Largest source of income
donations and private grants, 53%
Employees
3
Volunteers
0

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Financial health

Strong: 92 out of 100. Higher than 74% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Reserves

    35 of 35

    Spendable reserves would cover 15.5 months of spending.

  • Debt

    20 of 20

    It owes 0% of what it owns.

  • Living within its means

    15 of 15

    Income exceeded spending by 56% of income.

  • Spending floor

    8 of 15

    61% of spending went to programs and raising each dollar of donations cost 0 cents.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Governance

Good: 75 out of 100. Higher than 57% of charities in its peer group (education, $250k to $1m).

  • Independent board

    25 of 25

    18 of 18 voting board members are independent.

  • Conflict of interest policy

    15 of 15

    Has a written conflict of interest policy.

  • Whistleblower policy

    0 of 8

    Reports no written whistleblower policy.

  • Record keeping policy

    0 of 7

    Reports no written policy on keeping and destroying records.

  • Board minutes

    5 of 5

    Keeps minutes of board meetings.

  • Board sees the tax return

    10 of 10

    Gave the board a copy of this return before filing it.

  • Independent check of accounts

    6 of 15

    Its accounts were not audited or reviewed by an independent accountant.

  • No reported misuse

    10 of 10

    Reports no diversion of assets, excess benefits or loans to insiders.

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Impact evidence

Describes programs. Its tax return describes what it does but we have found no measurable results in it.

Programs described in its return (4)
  1. $30,591 spent. CAREER-THEME ACADEMY PROGRAMS The Academies of Central Arkansas Foundation supports the implementation and expansion of career-themed academy programs across participating public-school districts, helping align academic instruction with high-demand industry sectors. These academies integrate rigorous coursework, work-based learning experiences, and career exploration to ensure students graduate with both academic and technical competencies. During the year, the Foundation supported programming that connected hundreds of high school students to structured career pathways in fields such as healthcare, business, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Efforts included curriculum alignment, employer engagement, and coordination with district leadership. Outcomes include increased student engagement, improved alignment between education and workforce needs, and expanded access to career-connected learning opportunities.
  2. $27,070 spent. BUSINESS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS The Foundation cultivates and manages strategic partnerships with regional employers, industry leaders, and community organizations to support career-connected learning. These partnerships provide students with access to job shadowing, internships, mentorship, and real-world project-based learning experiences. In the current year, the Foundation engaged more than 100 employer partners across Central Arkansas to participate in academy advisory boards, hiring events, classroom engagement, and experiential learning opportunities, ensuring alignment with current workforce demands while providing students with direct exposure to career pathways. As a result, students gained meaningful workplace experiences, employers strengthened their talent pipelines, and school districts deepened their connections to the regional economy.
  3. $49,210 spent. SCHOLAR CREDENTIALING AND COLLEGE / CAREER READINESS OUTCOMES The Foundation supports initiatives that increase student attainment of industry-recognized credentials and postsecondary readiness benchmarks. This includes funding, coordination, and strategic support for certification programs, dual credit opportunities, and career readiness experiences. During the year, students participating in supported programs earned industry credentials and participated in structured career readiness activities, including resume development, interview preparation, and direct engagement with hiring employers. These efforts contribute to measurable outcomes including increased credential attainment, higher rates of postsecondary enrollment and employment, and stronger alignment between student skills and workforce needs.
  4. $31,343 spent. OTHER

Source: Form 990 for the year ending December 31, 2025, filed with the Internal Revenue Service. Rating method 2026.2. How we rate

Legitimacy checks

  1. Is it registered with the IRS? Passed.

    Listed in the IRS master file of tax-exempt organizations as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  2. Has the IRS revoked its tax-exempt status? Passed.

    Not on the IRS automatic revocation list.

    Source: Automatic revocation of exemption list, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  3. Are donations tax-deductible? Passed.

    On the IRS list of organizations eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions.

    Source: Publication 78 data: organizations eligible for tax-deductible contributions, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  4. Is it keeping up with its IRS filings? Passed.

    Most recent return on file covers the year ending December 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  5. How long has it been tax-exempt? Passed.

    Recognized by the IRS since June 2025.

    Source: Exempt Organizations Business Master File, Internal Revenue Service, file dated October 13, 2026.

  6. Is it in good standing with state regulators? Passed.

    Not on California's list of charities barred from soliciting. Other states are not yet checked.

    Source: May Not Operate or Solicit for Charitable Purposes list, California Attorney General, Registry of Charities and Fundraisers, file dated October 21, 2026.

Ratings and checks are our reading of public records, using the published method. They are not a statement about anyone's honesty. If you work for this organization, you can send corrections or results, confirm you want gifts through Veridonate, or ask to be removed from giving.